David Bjerke

David Bjerke, 76, Emerado, ND, died peacefully in his sleep after a courageously fought battle with cancer. Services will be held Sunday, October 14, 2018 at Ascension Lutheran Church in Emerado, ND at 2:30pm. Visitation will be for one hour prior to the service. Military rites will be provided by the North Dakota National Guard Honor Guard. David John Bjerke was born on January 28, 1942 in Grafton, ND. He was the son of Almer and Irene (Rasmussen) Bjerke. He attended school in Grafton through his Sophomore year, then went to work at the local meat market where he learned to be a butcher. He later studied to receive his G.E.D. In 1960, David enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he was one of the ship’s cooks on the USS Bushnell. He served his country for a 4-year term and was honorably discharged in 1964. Shortly after his discharge from the U.S. Navy, David began to drive truck for his father’s business, Bjerke Trucking. He hauled gravel for many years and later started his own trucking business and continued to drive truck until he retired. To his trucking friends he was known as “Coffee Cup” because he always had a cup of coffee in his hand. His love of coffee lasted his entire life. In his retirement, he worked at the Grand Forks International Airport for Republic Parking as a cashier. David loved to visit with people and loved his family. He always had a smile on his face and had a great sense of humor, even throughout his battle with cancer he maintained a positive attitude. He had a very special group of friends that he cherished in Emerado; he valued the time he was able to spend with them. David is survived by his son, Brad Bjerke of Grafton (granddaughter Emily Bjerke), daughter Jill Sanderson and her husband Mitchell, and Grandson, Dylan Kachena, all of Park River. His sister Sue Ellen Ferguson (Cal) of Grafton, many nieces and a nephew, and many great nieces and nephews, and cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, baby sister, Joan, brother Gary, sister Darlene, and nephew Scott Ferguson.